These Southern Belles Need To Hang Out With The Old Scottish/Irish Women, Part 2
Reading this story reminded me of my own encounter with a Southern Belle when I was younger.
I’m a teenager in my first retail job, working the customer service desk. I’m helping an older lady complete an online order (the internet was still new to some older folk back then), when an angry man marches up to the counter and interrupts us.
Customer: “I need a lawnmower blade in [brand] and [model], and y’all don’t have it on the shelves! This is the third [Hardware Store Chain] that doesn’t have it!”
Me: “Sir, I’m helping this customer at the moment. I will be with you as soon as—”
Customer: “I’ve been to two of your stores already, so I need to be served first! I’ve already wasted enough time!”
Me: “I’m sorry, sir, but—”
Southern Belle: “—It’s okay, darlin’. He obviously needs to mow his lawn pretty darn badly.”
Me: *Not wanting to reward the man’s bad behavior, but also not wanting to prolong my time with him.* “[Brand] and [model], was it?”
I look it up in our inventory.
Me: “Sir, that model has been discontinued; that’s why we haven’t stocked it in a while. You would have to contact the manufacturer directly, and hopefully they can find you that specific blade.”
Customer: “No! You sell [brand] lawnmowers, so you need to get me that blade!”
Me: “Sir, I can’t do that. You will need to contact the manufacturer. We have their number if you’d—”
Customer: “—No! That’s just what the other stores said! Y’all useless!”
Southern Belle: “Sir, maybe take a breath. This nice young man can’t get you something they don’t make anymore.”
Customer: *Snapping at her.* “Mind your own business, lady. They could do it if they tried!”
The belle folds her hands and tilts her head.
Southern Belle: “This nice young man has offered you a phone number to find your part, and you’re choosing to have a mantrum over it. Your dock just doesn’t quite reach the water, does it, darlin’?”
The guy cussed and stormed out, and I had met my new favorite customer of all time.
Related:
These Southern Belles Need To Hang Out With The Old Scottish/Irish Women
